Akvaplan-niva scientists are engaged in cross-disciplinary research programs on water related issues. On our ships, Ferry Boxes are installed to sample sea and lake water to provide continuous information about oxygen levels, temperature, salinity and other data.
Our ships are also equipped with Kongsberg Multibeam sonar which allows us to map the lake/seabed.
Viking holds a provisional membership with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). We work closely with these leading organizations to ensure we employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research, and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration & Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Viking’s expedition ships have been designated the first civilian ships that are official NOAA / US National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.
Visit Partner Website
Ornithologists are regularly on board Viking’s expedition vessels, undertaking post-doctoral research on new observation methods and providing guest advice and interaction. During the inaugural season of Viking Expeditions, Cornell scientists conducted research on migratory bird distribution in Antarctica.
Visit Partner Website
The Polar Citizen Science Collective creates opportunities for research and public education through citizen science, leveraging the reach of polar travelers to enhance understanding and protection of the polar regions.
Visit Partner Website
Scientists will undertake fieldwork on board our expedition ships and join our voyages to share their expertise with our guests. Viking is sponsoring a Chair: Viking Professorship of Polar Marine Geo-science.
Visit Partner Website
UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography works to understand and protect the planet and find solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while J. Craig Venter Institute is a leader in advancing the science of genomics to understand more about the biological world. On board our expedition ships, visiting scientists operate the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) to research phytoplankton in polar regions and the Great Lakes through real-time eDNA sequencing utilizing the converted PCR lab on each vessel.
This is an extension of our collaboration with Fjord Phyto, a NASA-funded program by Scripps, which enables guests to participate in research and public education through novel citizen science sampling of polar phytoplankton.
Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.